Wedding dash from Monaghan but McMahon gets to The Oval on time

The drama failed to disrupt McMahon as the playmaker capped a first semi-final appearance with a fine goal to cement Portadown’s control against Ballymena United.

“It was a crazy day,” said McMahon. “My sister’s wedding in Monaghan was at 12.30 so I left around 1.40 and got changed into my tracksuit then shot up the road to be in Belfast for 4 o’clock.

“I then had to head off after the match to the reception.

“From what I can gather, the wedding speeches featured quite a few references to our match.

“I knew about the date from during pre-season so, thankfully, it was a 5.30 kick-off and I could do both in the end.

It was certainly a day to remember

Peter McMahon

“I was a bit worried if my head would be right given the rushing around but everything worked out okay.”

McMahon made his mark on 27 minutes to increase Portadown’s lead to 3-0.

“We started with me in behind Gary Twigg and Mark McAllister and I always enjoy playing in the middle more than out on the wing,” he said. “I get on the ball more often and spotted the strikers winning quite a few balls so took a gamble on my run.

“I think I started it inside our half but the first touch was key as that took me between the defenders and still gave me time to finish.

“Instinct took over and I knew I would go for a lob when I saw the goalkeeper come off his line.

“I really enjoyed the first half and we put together some good football so it was just brilliant to get the win.

“Ballymena always seem to give us a tough game but we got the start we wanted and that proved cucial.

“We started so well against Linfield in the quarter-final so wanted more of the same.

“I think with the quality on our books we almost look best on the front foot.